Giving Voice to Hope: Looking at the universal issues of sexual violence and how we can be a part of a movement for women's freedom

Becca Stevens will deliver the keynote address at the Front Porch Austin's Elephant in the Room, a local anti-trafficking event hosted by a group of non-profit organizations, on Thursday, May 22.

The Front Porch, St. David's Episcopal Church, Allies Against Slavery and others will host the two day event at St. David's downtown campus. KUT will broadcast a live interview with Stevens at St. David's at 11:00 AM, followed by a book signing. After an afternoon workshop designed to address sex trafficking in Austin, Stevens will deliver her keynote address "Giving Voice to Hope: Looking at the universal issues of sexual violence and how we can be a part of a movement for women's freedom," at 6:00 PM in an outdoor setting at St. David's, followed by a moderated audience conversation.

Other supportive organizations include the Texas Council on Family Violence, Allies Against Slavery, the University of Texas School of Social Work (Institute for Research), and the Central Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking.

There will be food trucks and refreshments available from 5:00 PM until the end of the event.

Becca Stevens, an Episcopal priest, is the founder of the women's residential program Magdalene and social enterprise Thistle Farms. She has written seven books and has another one coming out in the summer of 2014. She is the youngest and first woman to receive a Distinguished Alumnus/a Award from the University of the South. She was named one of President Obama's 15 Champions of Change. She lives and works in Nashville, TN.

The Front Porch is a non-profit that works to cultivate a diverse and thoughtful community in Austin through dialogue, music, and gatherings.

Donations will be accepted to help fund this event, both as checks directly to the Front Porch and through an online giving campaign. All money that is raised beyond the $3,500 goal will go to Allies Against Slavery.